Fire destroys 70 homes in Sampaloc, Manila; 200 families affected
Around 70 homes were destroyed in a massive fire that hit a residential area in Barangay 439, Sampaloc, Manila, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, July 2.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), about 200 families or 400 individuals were affected.
The fire at the corner of M. Dela Fuente Street and Firmeza Street in Barangay 448, Zone 44, Sampaloc, Manila (Photo courtesy of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office)
The fire started at the corner of M. Dela Fuente Street and Firmeza Street in Barangay 448, Zone 44 at 12:31 a.m.
The responding fire units arrived within two minutes, but the fire quickly escalated, prompting a 4th alarm alert by 12:54 a.m.
It was declared under control by 1:44 a.m. and fully extinguished by 5:44 a.m.
Firefighters faced difficulties in putting out the fire due to the lack of water supply in the area, one of the key challenges during the operation.
They said no injuries or fatalities were reported, while the estimated property damage from the fire was pegged at P300,000, according to BFP’s initial assessment.
Mayor Isko visits fire victims, orders immediate relief efforts
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno“ Domagoso visited the affected area on Wednesday morning to personally check on the victims and oversee the ongoing relief operations.
The Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) announced that it will provide hot meals to the displaced residents for five days, an extension from the usual three-day assistance plan.
Relief goods, hygiene kits, and other basic supplies were also distributed to the fire victims.
Domagoso ordered the removal of debris from the fire scene and the fast-tracking of the listing process to speed up the distribution of financial assistance and food packs.
He also urged residents to remain patient as the city works to coordinate with barangay officials regarding the assignment of evacuation centers.
He also asked them to guard their belongings while waiting for further instructions from the barangay authorities.
The BFP is investigating the cause of the fire.